Malcesine holidays

Castello Scaligero di Malcesine, Malcesine, Italy

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On a holiday to Malcesine, you'll be exploring one of the prettiest harbour towns on Lake Garda, with some of its best views.

Castles and cable cars

If finding camera-happy viewpoints is high on your holiday to-do list, Malcesine’s for you. It’s famous for having Lake Garda’s only cable car, which climbs Monte Baldo mountain while slowly rotating a full 360° – really making the most of the scenery. There’s also the medieval Scaliger Castle, simply a must-visit while you’re here. After exploring the courtyard and the various rooms, climb up the stone steps of the tower to gaze across the rooftops of Malcesine and over the lake – the views are pretty special. While at the castle, the Museum of Natural History of Lake Garda and Mount Baldo is also well worth a nosey.

Down in the town

Nestling on the eastern shore of the lake, the ancient town of Malcesine was once a sleepy fishing village, protected by the stone walls of the castle. You’ll find sailboats bobbing in the harbour, and it’s from here that you can ferry hop to other spots along the lake. Steep, stone-paved streets fan up from this focal point, where you can wander between pavement cafés, ice-cream parlours, small squares and independent shops – plenty of ways to spend a lazy day.

Weddings in Malcesine

Tying the knot? Spend your special day celebrating on the dramatic northern shores of Lake Garda. There’s a whole host of top-notch places to stay, and you can choose from a range of wedding packages to find one that’s right for you. Learn more about weddings with TUI and plan your perfect day.

Out and about

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Malcesine:

• Lake bathing
• Castle
• Museum
• Minigolf
• Open-air concerts
• Markets

Popular hotels in Malcesine

Top things to see and do in Malcesine

Beaches

The beach of Paina

The closest beach - and one of the most popular - is only 100m from the centre of Malcesine. Just north of the Scaliger Castle, the pebbly Paina Beach is free to visit. If you get peckish, you'll find cosy beachside bars nearby.

Posterna Beach

Close to the medieval Castle of Malcesine and set on the banks of Lake Garda is Posterna Beach. You can get to the beach through the cobbled alley that runs along the old castle.

Val di Sogno beach

Val di Sogno means the bay of dreams in English. South of the town, the beach is surrounded by tall cypress trees. Rent a parasol or grab a lounger and enjoy the breeze. It's the perfect spot to unwind by the water.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Hunt for gifts and souvenirs at the weekly market. Make your way to the town centre car park outside the town hall (Municipio) for traditional Italian pottery, clothing, leather goods, gifts and souvenirs.

Mid-range buys

Malcesine has a great selection of shops. From local fashion to artwork and souvenirs, they're worth a browse. Remember that shops usually close for siesta time in the early afternoon.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Do things the Italian way. Take a stroll down to the harbour and enjoy a leisurely drink in the evening. There are plenty of cafés and bars around the harbour where you can grab a drink and enjoy the scene. The ice-cream parlours stay open as late as the bars.

Lively evenings

Malcesine often hosts firework displays on the water in the summer months. Things can get lively - you might even find a concert or festival in full swing while you're here.

Food & drink

Café dining

For a relaxed and informal evening out, both the old and the new port of Malcesine are lined with cafés. Sit and order a light bite and watch the people stroll by.

Pizza in the piazza?

If you'd like to enjoy a meal surrounded by a bit more atmosphere, Malcesine's piazzas are very sociable places. Order an Italian classic from the menu and enjoy the vibe.

Getting about

Buses

The main bus station sits on Via Gardesana. Hop on a public bus heading north to Riva or south to Bardolino. There's also a tourist bus that cruises around Malcesine and the local towns.

Passenger ferries

You can hop on a ferry from Malcesine to Limone, Riva, and all the towns down to Desenzano. Ferries leave every hour and only take 20 minutes. If you're headed to the southern part of the lake, the ferries are less frequent.

Summer lifts

The Monte Baldo cable car in Malcesine is the only lift on Lake Garda. It operates throughout the summer and is a famous tourist spot.

On foot

The harbour and lakeside paths are nice and flat, and easy to stroll around. But when you head into Malcesine's town centre, be prepared for steeper, cobbled streets. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Walking

Take the car

For a scenic walk in the cooler upper parts of Malcesine, head to the Monte Baldo cable car. The ride itself is great fun. When you reach the top, walk left along the ridge for an epic view of Malcesine.

Charming streets

Wandering the stone-paved streets of Malcesine is a walking tour in itself. You'll come across cobbled lanes dotted with boutiques, cosy cafés and restaurants dishing up fish caught from the lake.